Appropriate Technology

The AT department activities are governed by the principles of reduction, efficiency and replacement. We aim to use as little energy as possible.

Where we do use energy we chose the most energy efficient methods available. And finally, because Sunseed is off grid, we must provide all of our energy ourselves.

As a result we promote DIY technologies and designs that anyone can learn and are widely applicable across Europe.

At Sunseed we have self-installed solar photovoltaic and a DIY wind turbine which provide our off-grid electricity systems.

We also have DIY solar hot water panels that provide us with hot water for most of the year. A couple of our houses have self-built thermal mass stoves to provide winter heat, one of which takes over on the hot water provision when the sun hours shorten.

The AT department is also responsible for the village hydraulic ram pump that provides water to the rest of the village.

The concept of which is several hundred years old. It uses the momentum of falling water to pump up a smaller amount of water to a higher point. Water is supplied to the pump via an ancient irrigation line built by the Moors during their occupation of Spain 1000 years ago.

What's going on in the next month?

July 2010

Testing the Solar Hot water system at Isabella’s

Update the Bike powered washing machine

Visit to the Solar Platform with volunteers

Studing improvements for the ram pump

Appropriate Technology Coordinator

Marc Schmidt

Born and raised in Argentina, I studied industrial engineering, and worked for a couple of megacompanies in the previous century, until it became very awkward.

Nine years ago I settled in Barcelona and co-organised an artist studio and some years later a yoga school.

Meanwhile I refocused on my engineering side by completing a masters in renewable energies and energy efficiency , and for the past years have been working in electric installations, and maintenance in the conventional energy sector.

I've been drawn steadily towards low impact community living, organic gardening, eco-construction,... and this magic flow brought me this wonderful place.

I love investigating, learning and applying appropriate technologies to our community needs.